Sitting at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, Morocco is home to a rich variety of folk music traditions. Yet for much of the 20th century, thanks to French Orientalism and persistent class biases, these genres remained socially and commercially marginalized. In the 1970s however, new technologies, increased migration, and political activism combined to create a Golden Age for Moroccan popular music.

What's there to be said of Ziad Rahbani? Our fortune is really in being able to listen to the work left behind for us by this legend whose words, music, and thoughts were etched in Lebanon’s collective memory, echoing beyond borders to shape generations of Arab musicians and become an undeniable part of Lebanon's cultural heritage.

Shik Shak Shook Ones hosts Deana Soni and Danny Hajjar bring us a year-end music review of the Arab music scene. From bangers to blunders they highlight their favorite tracks and albums, artists who surprised them (both positively and negatively), overrated and underrated music, memorable collaborations, and predictions for the music scene in 2025.

DJ, producer and composer Jihed Khmiri (aka Pan-J) compiled an all-Tunisian mixtape for us this month featuring artists like Nuri, Badiaa Bouhrizi, Dali Chebil, Bargou 08, Najet Ounis, Lobna Noomen, and Ratchopper.

In 2005-2008, Khaleeji artists were more experimental with their production selections and musical arrangements. You’ll hear Indian and North African influences in albums released at the time. Music was more upbeat even when the lyrics were sad.

Curated by Cheb Mimo for afikra, introducing what raï music production looked like between the late 80s and the early 2000s. "Raï is a music genre that originates from the rich cultural tapestry of Algeria. It places a significant emphasis on lyrical improvisation."

Travel through geography, space and time in this roadtrip playlist that crosses genres, eras, regions and covers that celebrate the Arab world and being on the road.

Fairuz not only lived and thrived through radio, but she also grew out of it. Her career in the 50’s can tell us a bit about why radio stations are not as relevant as they once were.

This is an Arab Jazz compilation, intended as a growing – and accurate –playlist for the genre. Make sure to save and come back to it when you're in the mood for jazz.

We can only scratch the surface of a body of work steeped in dozens of traditions, languages and histories. But if there is one thing that unites music from Iraq, whether it’s a oud masterpiece, a fiery dance or Hp-Hop track and that is the poetry that carves out of Iraqi tongues.

This Quatertones mixtape celebrates old and new tunes from Sudan, and was compiled by Khaled Malas the afikra community.

DJ amen RA (aka Ramy Abou El Oyoun) introduces us to Egyptian sounds and artists we should have on our radar. The first half of the playlist focuses on the instrumental side of the producers. The second highlights some of his favorite hip-hop artists, each with a unique voice and sound.

Compiled by record store owner Mohamad Rifaï (aka @ri_fo) who's behind @thelickrecords in Beirut, and features some of his favorite Arabic interpretations of international hits that even your grandad might know.

Music writer and curator Danny Hajjar has compiled a five-and-a-half-hour long mixtape that celebrates the voices of some of the best up-and-coming (but also some old favorite) musicians from the Arab world. Make sure to play it at your next party.

This is a compilation of all the interludes from our QuarterTones podcast series, as well as any tracks that our guests, select, recommend or mention on the show. It's a celebration of some of the best music coming out of the Arab world by musicians and musicologists for the discerning ear.